3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights B&B's
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: KCW

Trip highlights

  • Experiencing the wild Atlantic coast on foot with breathtaking scenery
  • Exploring the history of the pilgrim trail and the many Irish traditions and customs
  • Enjoying traditional Irish hospitality in family run B&Bs
  • Discovering the music and culture of Dingle

The Kerry Camino is an inspiring pilgrim route along the Dingle Peninsula in south western Ireland. St James Church in Dingle was originally a farewell point for pilgrims as they set sail to Finisterre in NW Spain to continue their walk to Santiago de Compostela. At almost every turn on the Kerry Camino, there are breathtaking views enhanced by the sounds of the Wild Atlantic lapping or crashing against this ancient shoreline. You will be enchanted by the awesome scenery and historic preservation that this region has to offer. During the four days, walk from the town made famous by the Rose of Tralee, along the southern shores of the Peninsula to Annascaul, the home of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, and then to Dingle town itself. Here the rich tradition of music and culture will leave your feet tapping as you continue your journey to the western reaches of Slea Head, overlooking the magnificent Blasket Islands. Returning to Dingle you spend your last overnight before your return journey home. On the way, be sure to have your pilgrim passport available to be stamped as you walk along one of the most beautiful Caminos in the world.

Countries:

Ireland

Starting Point:

Tralee

Finishing Point:

Dingle

Carbon Footprint

28kg of CO2-e PP per day

(139kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive in Tralee, the administrative capital of County Kerry. On arrival at your first guesthouse, your host can suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music.

Meals:  Nil

Leaving your guesthouse, head to St John's church and walk along back country roads to join the Dingle Way. You follow this route under the Slieve Mish Mountains before joining what was once an old road to Dingle. Passing a fascinating 12th century oratory, still used by locals today for prayer, contemplation and worship, you continue to the village of Camp. Rocky and muddy mountain and grass tracks. Can be wet underfoot. Camp is the perfect place to unwind, with its cozy pubs offering a great place to sample some local food and drink. Distance: 16.8km/10.5mi Ascent: 403m/1322ft, Descent: 343m/1125ft Terrain: 36% paved paths and roads / 64% trails

Meals:  B

Continuing west, you walk from the lovely hamlet of Camp to the lively little village of Annascaul. This walk takes you through a fascinating area of bogland where many people still come to cut their winter fuel. Crossing to the south side of the peninsula you arrive at the magnificent Inch Beach, before continuing inland to Annascaul village. Road walking on quiet back country roads, then onto grassy tracks and finishing on road. Distance: 18km/11.2mi. Ascent: 489m/1604ft, Descent: 504m/1655ft Terrain: 61% paved paths and roads, 39% trails

Meals:  B

Leaving Annascaul you head to the town of Dingle. The route passes through Minard, with its 16th century castle, and the village of Lispole along the way. It then takes you along old, narrow country lanes through the hamlets of Lisdargan and Ballingarruan before joining the old military road below the Connor Pass, and on into Dingle. Grass country lanes, grass tracks and some road walking. Distance: 22km/13.8mi, Ascent: 492m/1614ft, Descent: 506m/1660ft Terrain: 71% paved paths and roads, 29% trails

Meals:  B

Immersed in the true region of early pilgrimage on this Peninsula, today's route starts just outside Dingle, passing the Early Christian site of Kilcolman and continuing to the glorious sweep of Ventry beach. From here it takes you on a beautiful and historic walk around Slea Head, finishing in Dunquin. The walk offers an opportunity to see ‘beehive huts’ at close quarters, and also a full view of the Blasket Islands. Return transfer (25mins) to Dingle for your final overnight. Rocky and grass tracks, beach walking and some road walking. Distance: 18km/11.2mi, Ascent: 501m/1643ft, Descent: 525m/1722ft Terrain: 41% paved paths and roads, 59% trails

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in Dingle after breakfast. There is a regular bus service to Tralee from where there are bus and train connections to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin. Private transfers are available on request.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 full Irish breakfasts - Irish breakfasts usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/sausages, tomato, toast, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 5 nights in B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer, maximum 15kg pp, supplement applies for excess
  • Digital information pack with route notes and maps & app
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Tralee and from Dingle
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not listed included including from Dunquin to Dingle on day 5
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Pilgrim passport - can be obtained from the local tourist office
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast

All accommodations have been selected for a variety of reasons; sometimes for their location or the people themselves, or perhaps their food. All rooms are generally ensuite, but occasionally you may have a private bathroom outside your own bedroom. By using these bed & breakfast houses you will have a more intimate experience while in Ireland with an opportunity to meet more local people & get to know more about Ireland & her people. They offer a warm and personal welcome, great food & a broad knowledge of their region.

Trail Surface

Grass trails, rocky tracks, country roads and beack walking

A combination of rocky and muddy mountain tracks. There will be days of grass tracks, country lands and some minor road walking as well as a section of beach walking on one day.

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - Daily walks of between 5 and 6 hours over hilly terrain with maximum daily altitudes of 151m to 236m. The walking is on a mixture of small roads, forest trails and mountain paths. Being Ireland, it is often wet underfoot and overhead and proper preparation is advised. A reasonable level of fitness is required to complete all stages comfortably.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.